F.C.C.P.S. Names Terry J. Dade as New Superintendent

Beginning with a little blow horn emoji, Falls Church City Public Schools (FCCPS) posted enthusiastically on X last night at 6:30 p.m., May 4:

OFFICIAL: Terry J. Dade has been appointed as the next Superintendent of Falls Church City Public Schools, following tonight's unanimous Board vote! With 25+ years of educational leadership experience, Mr. Dade will join us July 1, 2025. Welcome to the FCCPS family! #FCCPS

Following is based on FCCPS's May 5, 6:31 p.m. press release marking the occasion:

The Falls Church City School Board has selected Terry J. Dade as the next Superintendent of Falls Church City Public Schools (FCCPS). The Board voted unanimously in favor of the appointment at a Special Meeting on Monday, May 5, at 6:00 p.m. at the Learning Stairs in Meridian High School, followed by brief remarks from Mr. Dade and a public reception.

Mr. Dade will assume his new role on July 1, 2025, succeeding Dr. Peter J. Noonan, who is retiring after eight distinguished years of service to the district.

"We are thrilled to welcome Terry Dade as our new superintendent. His exceptional leadership experience across diverse school settings, combined with his proven track record of academic excellence and innovation, makes him the ideal leader to guide our district forward," said School Board Chair Tate Gould.

Upon his selection, Mr. Dade expressed his enthusiasm for joining FCCPS: "I am honored to join this exceptional learning community that values academic excellence, innovation, and inclusion. I look forward to building upon FCCPS's outstanding legacy while working collaboratively with students, families, educators, and community members to shape an even brighter future for our schools."

Mr. Dade brings over 25 years of progressive experience in education to Falls Church City, including significant leadership roles in both rural and urban settings. He currently serves as Superintendent of Cornwall Central School District in New York, where he oversees five schools serving approximately 3,200 students and over 500 employees, a district similar in size to FCCPS.

His extensive experience includes serving as Superintendent of Rochester City School District in New York and as Assistant Superintendent of Region 3 in Fairfax County Public Schools. During his tenure in Fairfax County, Mr. Dade successfully reduced the number of schools accredited with warning or FOCUS status from 12 to just 1. Notably, he previously held the position of Principal at Graham Road Elementary School in Falls Church, where he achieved the highest FARM vs. Reading and Math SOL pass rates in FCPS while significantly improving teacher retention.

Throughout his career, Mr. Dade has demonstrated a commitment to cultivating student-centered cultures where all students achieve their fullest potential. His leadership philosophy emphasizes inspiring shared vision, modeling professionalism, and implementing innovative instructional strategies.

Mr. Dade holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Teaching in Elementary Education from the University of Virginia. He earned a Master of Arts in School Administration from Trinity University and is currently completing his Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership at Manhattanville University, with an expected graduation in May 2025.

The selection comes after a comprehensive, months-long search process conducted in partnership with HYA Associates, involving extensive community engagement through forums, surveys, and stakeholder input sessions.

Dr. Noonan leaves behind a strong legacy at FCCPS, including the completion of significant capital projects, expansion of the IB program, and leadership through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The district thanks him for his dedicated service and commitment to educational excellence.

By The Falls Church Independent